Qualifying: Alfa to the fore
Qualifying for Sunday's ETCC race at Estorial in Portugal turned into an Alfa Romeo benefit, with the Italian manufacturer's works team claiming the first four places on the grid. Nicola Larini emerged on top of the marque's private battle to take pole, ahead of Roberto Colciago
Larini is one of four drivers in contention for the championship, and his delight at taking pole can only have been increased by the struggles of his chief title rivals, as the BMW runners appear to be struggling around the Portugese track.
Fellow Alfa title hopeful Gabriele Tarquini was third quickest, ahead of British Touring Car Championship star James Thompson, who has been drafted into to boost the team's title bid.
Dirk Muller was the quickest of the BMW drivers in fifth, but his lap was a substantial 0.837s off Larini's pole time. Antonio Garcia will start the race sixth, ahead of championship leader Jorg Muller. The fifth title hopeful, Briton Andy Priaulx, will start from down in 10th position, with his BMW hampered by the success ballast from his win in the last race at Oschersleben.
Yvan Muller is another Vauxhall BTCC star making a guest appearance this weekend, although his qualifying session was far less successful than Thompson's, the Frenchman qualifying his SEAT Toledo Cupra in 17th position.
Nicola Larini Alfa Romeo 156 Gta 1m46.865s
Roberto Colciago Alfa Romeo 156 Gta 1m47.219s
Gabriele Tarquini Alfa Romeo 156 Gta 1m47.389s
James Thompson Alfa Romeo 156 Gta 1m47.518s
Dirk Muller BMW 320i 1m47.702s
Antonio Garcia BMW 320i 1m47.902s
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